Split is well known as a summer playground for Euopeans, rivaling some of the more famous spots in the Mediterranean, but it is steeped in history as well. The immense Diocletian’s Palace (another UNESCO World heritage site) commands the view of the harbor and tree lined promenade. Our guide Sandra led us through the palace explaining its history and the history of Split itself. Inside there are numerous antiquity treasures both from the time of the Romans (some stolen from ancient Egypt) and medieval times. Diocletian ruled in the 3rd century AD and built this truly immense palace for his retirement. It is built in the traditional Roman style with 2 main intersecting roads, one north- south and the other east- west. One half was for his exclusive use including living quarters, a mausoleum (now the Cathedral of St. Dominus with the bell tower added in the 13th century), a private temple, and an immense elevated promenade facing the water. The other half was for everyone else including soldiers and support staff. The basement itself is an amzing site. Today over 3000 people live within its walls. Our hotel was actually part of Diocletian’s living quarters.
